Insight for Sunday 23 February 2014

In the last month, the Prime Minister and the Finance Minister have both confirmed that the drive under the “Better Public Services” banner will continue.

The programme is one of  the government’s 4 priorities and included a cap on core administrative positions.

The State Services Commission say the key to doing more with less with the 100 year old service lies in productivity, innovation, and increased agility to provide services.

But as Philippa Tolley has been finding out, others say public servants are now too wary to offer free and frank advice and that their democratic role is being undermined.

Image: Public Service Postal Workers 1948